Founding principles And Documents

Question 1

How did the following documents influence the United States constitution

Answer 1

The American Constitutional Government is founded on concepts articulated in earlier documents.

Question 2

Magna Carta- 1215

Answer 2

Limited the power of the King

Rights included equal protection of the law (due process) and a trial by one’s peers.

Question 3

Mayflower Compact- 1620

Answer 3

Established a tradition of direct democracy which is still evident in the United States today.
Established the idea of consent of the governed.

Question 4

Charters of the Virginia Company of London-1606

Answer 4

Guaranteed Colonist the same rights as Englishmen

Written by King James I

Question 5

The Virginia Declaration of Rights- 1776

Answer 5

Served as a model for the Bill of Rights
1st ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution

Written by George Mason

Question 6

Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom- 1786

Answer 6

Created the idea of separation of church and state

Question 7

Declaration of Independence

Answer 7

Stated grievances against the king of Great Britain
Declared the colonies independent from Great Britain
Affirmed “certain unalienable rights”
Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness
Affirmed idea that all men are created equal

Question 8

Articles of Confederation

Answer 8

Established the first form of national government for the independent states

Major power resided with the states
Created a weak central government (can’t tax or enforce laws)
Led to the writing of the Constitution

Question 9

Constitution of the United States

Answer 9

Established the structure of the United States Government

Guarantees equality under the law with majority rule and the rights of the minority protected

3. Affirms individual worth and dignity of all people

Protects the fundamental
freedoms of religion,
assembly, press, petition,
and speech (1st Amendment)